Result: NBHA National Open Championship

Location: Dancyville, Tennessee

Post Date: Apr 6, 2026

Submitted By: Greg Blair

NBHA National Open Championship (l-r): David Russell (judge), Ann Forrester, Lance Servais, Chris Mullen with Bandit Hill Bess, Dr. Gene Spiotta, Mike Lemons (judge), Tom Waite, Andrea Ward with Blair's Holy Thunder, Ike Todd, Klaus Schmidt, Greg Blair, Julia and Bill Currie, and Mechelle Mullen.

The National Bird Hunters Association (NBHA) "Dance in Dancyville" returned to the beautiful grounds of West Tennessee for the 2026 renewal of the NBHA National Open Championship. The West Tennessee Field Trial Club has been in existence since the early 1900's, and some of the largest and most storied field trials in history have been run on these grounds. A who's who of field trial royalty graces the walls of the clubhouse, and many of those individuals have joined us around the campfire. It is an HONOR to host our National Championship here. We hope our relationship adds to the history that is already there.

There aren't enough words to express our gratitude to Bill and Julia Currie, Dr. Gene Spiotta, Chris and Mechelle Mullen, Ross Callaway, Ike Todd, Brad Laverne, and all of the West Tennessee Field Trial Club for their generosity and help in providing such a quality venue. They go above and beyond every single day to make it a great event. These are truly special people who go out of their way to provide all we need. This year, the West Tennessee FTC handled ALL the meals. Each and every day, the lunches were prepared in a timely manner, and the handlers' fish fry, along with the Saturday night tenderloin dinner, were prepared to perfection! This year, the cost of our handler meal was provided by the 2025 winner. Tom Waite and Andrea Ward provided home-cooked meals (venison steaks, pheasant stir fry, and pork/ham and potatoes) for the judges and workers throughout the week! Every participant absolutely raves about this championship, the grounds, the people, and how it continues to be THE venue for the NBHA National Open Championship.

We also want to give special thanks to our judges, David Russell and Mike Lemons. David hails from Como, Mississippi, and Mike came to us from Little Rock, Arkansas. Both men kept a close eye on all the dogs; they knew a championship performance, were helpful to all participants, and rendered a decision that was greatly respected. They are also the kind of gentlemen you enjoy having around--honest, attentive, and fair. A big thanks also goes out to our sponsors. We couldn't do this without the amazing support of Purina Pro Plan, Garmin, Gun Dog Supply, Mule Brand Clothing, onX Hunt, Gun Dog Central, Andis Grooming, World Class Bird Dogs, and Crouse Kennels.

NBHA National Championship Running
Wednesday--Day 1
The weather gave us a bluebird sky, with temperatures topping out in the low 60s. We had six dogs finish the hour, along with multiple dogs needing the assistance of the tracker. Rainstorms rolled in on Wednesday evening, but thankfully cleared for Thursday's running.
Thursday--Day 2
A strong eight dogs finished the hour, putting numerous dogs on the list to be used for Sunday's callbacks.
Friday--Day 3
The handlers added five dogs to the 'finished' list as temperatures hit the low 70s, making it difficult for others.
After the completion of the initial series, the top four dogs were selected, and an additional two were put on standby for Sunday's callback series.
The National Open Championship callback braces were announced Friday night. These are how the judges wanted to run them, along with notes from the initial series:
1a Mohawk Mill Trail Warrior (O: Stuhr/H: Malzone)--five finds, one unproductive.
1b Bandit Hill Bess (O/H: Schmidt)--five finds, one unproductive.
2a Foxy Lady Sadie (O: Fox/H: Waite)--four finds.
2b Touch's Maximus (O/H: Schmidt)--three finds, stop-to-flush, back.
Standby:
3a Blair's Holy Thunder (O: Grochowski/H: Waite)--four finds.
3b Southern Shadow's Stoner (O/H: Schmidt)--three finds, back.

For the last couple of years, World Class Bird Dogs has awarded a financial gift to the handler and owner of the Top Qualifying dog; they graciously offered it again. This year's World Class Bird Dogs' Top Qualifier was Mohawk Mill Trail Warrior. Congratulations!

National Open Championship Callbacks
Brace No. 1 with Mohawk Mill Trail Warrior (Malzone) and Bandit Hill Bess (Schmidt). The brace broke away at 8:00 a.m., with both dogs hunting to the front. Bess was handling nicely at a comfortable walking pace, and Trail Warrior was punching to the front. Bess carded the first two finds with Schmidt flushing and Bess handling them with style. Trail Warrior seemed to get stronger and stronger, but a bit out of touch with his handler; Malzone requested the tracker, ending his bid for the championship. Bess had the course to herself and went on to card three more finds. Lastly, she was found pointed, and the handler called, "Rabbit." She went on to finish the hour with a nice race.

Brace No. 2 with Foxy Lady Sadie (Waite) and Touch's Maximus (Schmidt). The brace broke away at 9:12 a.m. Sadie punched the front will a smooth race. She was found pointed, and Waite flushed birds in front of her with all in order. Maximus took advantage of Sadie's find and took to the front, carding a find of his own. After Sadie's find, she easily caught the front and was found pointed by the front judge. Schmidt kept Maximus to the front while Waite arrived to flush for Sadie; again, all was in order. In the meantime, Schmidt also found Maximus pointed and kept his bid alive. After Sadie caught the front, walking birds just off the path, got the best of her, and she was ordered up, finishing her bid for this championship. Maximus was sent forward, running gracefully to the front. Unfortunately, he hooked up on a lateral path and became out of pocket. Schmidt kept moving forward, singing and calling for him. To his demise, he was never to be seen under judgment again.

The judges requested the standby dogs. Brace No. 3 with Blair's Holy Thunder (Waite) and Southern Shadow's Stoner (Schmidt). The brace broke away at 10:22. Both dogs started strong and handled kindly. Holy Thunder unfortunately carded an unproductive in the first field, while Stoner was pointed across the field on birds. He handled them with style. Holy Thunder carded his first birds just after the first ditch crossing with Waite producing a single, and all was in order. As Holy Thunder continued to the front, Stoner was found pointed up the long hill, on the left side of the big field. Schmidt produced birds, and all was in order. Upon release of the dog, Stoner advanced back into the find area and bumped a sitting bird. That unfortunate circumstance ended his bid. Holy Thunder was found pointed on the right side of the piney woods and handled them with adult manners. Waite sent the dog on and secured another find prior to the last-ditch crossing. All was in order. Holy Thunder finished the hour.
After a short break, the winners were announced. The winner of the 2026 NBHA National Open Championship is Champion Bandit Hill Bess, owned and handled by Klaus Schmidt of Wichita, Kansas, and scouted by Lance Servais. Runner-up Champion is Blair's Holy Thunder, owned by Dan Grochowski of Eagle, Wisconsin, handled by Tom Waite of Burlington, Wisconsin, and scouted by Andrea Ward.

Saturday, we ran the Open Derby and Puppy stakes. There were numerous fine performances and many great handlers. The juvenile stakes are always exciting and a great place for young dogs to gain experience. The judges were truly looking for potential and awarded their placements.

We want to thank all the people of the West Tennessee Field Trial Club for the fabulous grounds, facilities, and assistance with making the trial a success. Also, a big thanks goes to Mike Baker and Dan Grochowski for traveling from Wisconsin to handle the dog wagon responsibilities for five days! We look forward to continuing to run championships at West Tennessee! If you are a bird dog fan, you will thoroughly enjoy the people of Dancyville and should make every effort to attend a trial there.

Dancyville, Tenn., February 24
Judges: Mike Lemons and David Russell
NBHA NATIONAL OPEN CHAMPIONSHIP [One-Hour Heats] - 37 Entries
Winner-BANDIT HILL BESS, F1706165, pointer female, by Touch's Smooth Rider-West's Lucy. Klaus Schmidt, owner and handler.
Runner-Up-BLAIR'S HOLY THUNDER, F1694985, pointer male, by Touch's Grey Street-Alliwood's Shady Shay. Dan Grochowski, owner; Tom Waite, handler.

NBHA Open Derby (l-r): Andy Erne, Mike Fox, Andrea Ward with Loghome Lizzie, Zach Erne, Tom Waite with Blair's Empty Tomb, Matt Miller, Bill and Julia Currie, Dr. Gene Spiotta, and Mechelle Mullin. [Not pictured: Meghan's Macavator and Sam Ridings].

NBHA OPEN DERBY - 11 Pointers and 3 Setters
1st-MEGHAN'S MACAVATOR, F1717847, pointer male, by Lester's Storm Surge-Fly In The Sky. Meghan & Travis Riggs, owners; Sam Ridings, handler.
2d-LOGHOME LIZZIE, F1710848, setter female, by Dale Creek Zed Babe-Dale Creek Rising Moon. Rick Torres, owner; Tom Waite, handler.
3d-BLAIR'S EMPTY TOMB, F1728002, pointer male, by Haney's Hurricane Seeker-Como Lady May. Greg Blair, owner; Tom Waite, handler.

NBHA Open Puppy (l-r): Forrest Miller, Tom Waite, Andrea Ward, Andy Erne (judge), Mike Fox, Jillian Sturn with Indian Creek Branzino, Zach Erne (judge), Mike Taylor with Hackberry's Snake Lady McGee, Dr. Gene Spiotta with Running With Scissors, Garry Malzone, Bill Currie, Mechelle Mullen, Julia Currie, Kyleigh Mullen with "Hank," Sally Brown, and McKenzie.

Judges: Andy Erne and Zach Erne
NBHA OPEN PUPPY - 6 Pointers and 1 Irish Setter
1st-INDIAN CREEK BRANZINO, F1724723, pointer female, by Mohawk Mill Trail Warrior-Indian Creek Sprout. Jillian Stuhr, owner; Garry Malzone, handler.
2d-HACKBERRY'S SNAKE LADY MCGEE, F1721939, pointer female, by Elhew Snakemaster-Hackberry's Elhew Leve. Michial Taylor, owner and handler.
3d-RUNNING WITH SCISSORS, F1724728, pointer female, by Mohawk Mill Trail Warrior-Indian Creek Sprout. Jillian Stuhr, owner; Garry Malzone, handler.

World Class Bird Dog Top Qualifier (l-r): David Russell (judge), Jillian Stuhr (owner) with Mohawk Mill Trail Warrior, Garry Malzone (handler), and Mike Lemons (judge).